Australia drop Lyon and bring in Boland for second Test
Australia replaced Nathan Lyon with Scott Boland for the second Test against South Africa at St George's Park.
Australia made one change to their playing XI for the second Test against South Africa at St George's Park, replacing Nathan Lyon with Scott Boland. Captain Pat Cummins said the decision was influenced by overcast conditions expected in Gqeberha and Boland's ability to extract seam movement. The all-rounder Cameron Green remains unavailable due to an abdominal strain sustained during the ODI series.
South Africa made three changes, recalling Kagiso Rabada, Matthew Breetzke and uncapped Marques Ackerman. Ryan Rickelton will keep wickets after Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne were dropped. The match start was delayed by rain on Sunday morning.
Australia won the first Test by 214 runs and can seal the series with victory in the second match. Without a specialist spinner, Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne may bowl part-time spin if required. Boland last played a Test in January 2025 against India in Perth.